ROAD users in Ludlow and south Shropshire and in Tenbury and throughout the Teme Valley are warned of the dangers that come with harvest time.

The Safer Roads Partnership is warning motorists of the dangers that may be present at this time of year as farmers are using the roads more when harvesting and moving their produce.

Agriculture is one of our region's key industries and this time of year is very busy in the farming calendar with many crops requiring harvest and transportation, often within a short window of opportunity in order to ensure consumers can enjoy the produce in prime condition.

However, this burst of activity traditionally sees a rise in road collisions, many of which are preventable.

A significant proportion of the collisions involving agricultural vehicles occur on rural roads with 60mph speed limits, and many near turnings into farms. The typical causes of the collisions are poor overtaking manoeuvres and inappropriate speed, with drivers finding themselves unable to stop in time when presented with a slow moving or wide vehicle.

A further hazard is caused by mud and debris being brought on to the roads by tractors and other vehicles that have been working in the fields.

Under the law, farmers and contractors have a legal obligation to ensure their vehicles are cleared of any mud or debris before entering the public highway. Excess mud on the road is a danger to cars, motorbikes and cyclists and can change the way a vehicle handles, causing skidding, especially in wet conditions.

During busy traffic periods, tractor drivers are also urged pull into a lay-by or safe place to allow other vehicles to pass safely, to avoid traffic build-up and prevent unsafe overtaking manoeuvres.